Summer staples: The white dress

As summer nears (I love that here in the Pacific Northwest, summer starts when it’s supposed to, with the solstice!), I’m thinking about seasonal staples. What items do I wear summer after summer? The first one to come to mind is my white sheath dress, which I’ve had for years. And my mom had this dress for years, as it was hers from the ’60s. A classic never goes out of style!

Here is my inspiration board, with some ideas to take your white dress — in whatever style flatters your shape (shift, trapeze, full-skirted, etc), and in whatever texture you prefer (lace and crochet are always great for summer) — from day to night.

Summer Staples: White Dress by jjwsb – click image for item details

The main accessories are similar in both versions, done in different textures and colors. Adding classic, bold colors (like red, black, and/or blue) feels fresh for daytime, and pairing silver with white is always a chic option for evening.

And here are my real-life interpretations, using similar items from my own wardrobe:

White Dress – Day

I added a red, white & blue scarf as a headband, my vintage wicker purse, black strappy espadrille wedges, and classic denim jacket.

White Dress – Night

I dressed up my vintage white sheath dress with a metallic striped scarf (it’s really light silver and white with metallic threads running through), silver sequin clutch, and silver heels. I tied my hair back in a low side bun.